Anaheim, California, which is located in Orange County, is best known for its family-friendly attractions like Disneyland Resort, as well as its sports teams, the Angels and the Ducks. Anaheim offers its residents a good mixture of urban and suburban living and a wide range of neighborhoods. The city is located near many attractions, green spaces, and cultural activities that make the city such a fast-growing area.
As great a city as Anaheim is, it’s not going to be the right city for everyone. Fortunately, there are lots of awesome places to live near Anaheim that don’t have the same traffic, tourists, and city noise. To help you find the right place to buy or rent in, we’ve gathered a list of 10 great cities near Anaheim to consider instead.
#1: Placentia, CA
Miles from Anaheim: 5
Population: 52,000
Median home sale price: $830,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,130
Walk Score: 50
Bike Score: 29
Transit Score: 46
One of the smallest cities in Orange County, Placentia is most well known as the location of the original planting of the county’s cash crop, Valencia oranges. Derived from a Latin word meaning “pleasant place to live,” the city of Placentia lives up to its name.
There are plenty of things to do in Placentia, CA. Visitors can explore George Key Ranch Historic Park, stroll down Main Street, visit the Muckenthaler Cultural Center, play a round of golf at Alta Vista Country Club, take a hike or bike ride through Craig Regional Park, enjoy a meal at one of Placentia’s delicious restaurants, and or catch a movie at Krikorian Premiere Theatres.
Homes for sale in Placentia, CA
Apartments for rent in Placentia, CA
#2: Garden Grove, CA
Miles from Anaheim: 6
Population: 173,000
Median home sale price: $855,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,201
Walk Score: 62
Bike Score: 36
Transit Score: 58
Garden Grove is a vibrant Southern California city situated just on the other side of Anaheim’s Harbor Boulevard. With nearly 173,000 residents, it is today the fifth largest city in Orange County. One of the City’s biggest claims to fame is the annual Strawberry Festival, which debuted in 1958. The Strawberry Festival is the second largest community-sponsored event in the western U.S., second only to the Rose Parade. The festival features a star-studded parade and the world’s largest strawberry shortcake.
There are many things to do for those living in Garden Grove. You can visit the Garden Grove Historical Museum, attend a concert at the Garden Grove Amphitheater, shop at the Garden Grove Farmers Market, play at the Garden Grove Sports Complex, visit the Garden Grove Regional Library, hike or bike the Garden Grove trails, spend a day at the Garden Grove Community Center, or enjoy a meal at one of Garden Grove’s many restaurants.
Homes for sale in Garden Grove, CA
Apartments for rent in Garden Grove, CA
#3: Orange, CA
Miles from Anaheim: 7
Population: 139,500
Median home sale price: $950,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,940
Walk Score: 51
Bike Score: 32
Transit Score: 53
Orange is a small city located in Southern California, about 30 miles from Los Angeles and just 7 miles from Anaheim. The city is home to about 140, 000 people and is known for its historic Old Towne district, which is filled with quaint shops and restaurants. Orange is also home to Chapman University, a private university with about 8,000 students.
Orange, CA, is a great place to live with a wide variety of activities to enjoy. From dining at delicious restaurants to visiting one of the many parks, you’ll never be bored. Hilbert Museum of California Art, Victorian Bridal Museum, and Mission Arts Center are just a few of the city’s five museums. Performing arts venues like Waltmar Theatre and Pot O’ Gold Studios are top spots amongst locals. There are many parks and green spaces within the city, including Irvine Regional Park, Santiago Oaks Regional Park, and Peters Canyon Regional Park. There’s something for everyone living in Orange.
Homes for sale in Orange, CA
Apartments for rent in Orange, CA
#4: Buena Park, CA
Miles from Anaheim: 7
Population: 82,500
Median home sale price: $845,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,675
Walk Score: 57
Bike Score: 36
Transit Score: 54
Buena Park is located in northwest Orange County and is referred to locally as the “Center of the Southland” due to its easy access to both the 91 and 5 freeways. Buena Park was once an agricultural area overflowing with dairy farms, orange groves, and berry fields. Today it is home to some of Southern California’s most popular attractions. It is minutes from Disneyland, award-winning beaches, and Los Angeles landmarks.
There are plenty of things to do in Buena Park, CA. You can visit Knott’s Berry Farm, go to Medieval Times, take a ride on the Buena Park Historic Train, check out Ripley’s Believe It or Not! Museum, and so much more.
Homes for sale in Buena Park, CA
Apartments for rent in Buena Park, CA
#5: Yorba Linda, CA
Miles from Anaheim: 10
Population: 68,000
Median home sale price: $1,275,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,550
Walk Score: 28
Transit Score: 34
Yorba Linda, CA, is located in north Orange County and is most famously known for being the birthplace of Richard Nixon. With 68, 000 residents, those living in Yorba experience the accessibility of urban amenities while also enjoying a strong sense of community and small-town charm. The city features 100 miles of multi-purpose trails, and beautiful beaches are only a short drive away.
Living in Yorba Linda means you’ll be surrounded by delicious restaurants, many parks, countless museums, performing arts centers, and local galleries. Some of the museums you can visit include The Richard Nixon Library and Museum, Yorba Linda Heritage Museum & Historical Society, and Susanna Bixby Bryant Museum & Botanic Garden. With Box Canyon Park, Veterans Park, and Jessamyn Park, there are lots of parks where you can spend a relaxing evening. There are a variety of unique eateries and restaurants that appeal to every palette in Yorba Linda,.
Homes for sale in Yorba Linda, CA
Apartments for rent in Yorba Linda, CA
#6: Tustin, CA
Miles from Anaheim: 10
Population: 81,000
Median home sale price: $830,000
Average 1-bed rent: $2,947
Walk Score: 51
Bike Score: 32
Transit Score: 59
Tustin is a small city located in Orange County, California. The city has a population of about 81,000 people and is known for its tree-lined streets and family-friendly atmosphere. The city is also home to many schools, including Tustin High School, which is one of the top-rated public schools in the state of California.
There are many things to do for those living in Tustin. You can visit Tustin Ranch Golf Club, play at Tustin Legacy Park, shop at The District at Tustin Legacy, or dine at one of Tustin’s many restaurants. You can also visit the Tustin Museum, attend a community event, or go for a hike or bike ride on one of Tustin’s many trails.
Homes for sale in Tustin, CA
Apartments for rent in Tustin, CA
#7: Cypress, CA
Miles from Anaheim: 12
Population: 50,000
Median home sale price: $825,000
Average 1-bed rent: $1,905
Walk Score: 53
Bike Score: 30
Transit Score: 61
Cypress, California, is an ideal location for those who want to be close to the beach and the region’s best amusement parks. The city is situated just eight miles west of Anaheim, 25 miles southeast of Los Angeles, and about 15 miles northeast of Long Beach and other nearby sandy shorelines.
If you’re considering moving to Cypress, know that this city has plenty to offer. From nature parks to stellar restaurants and a thriving arts and culture scene, there’s something for everyone in Cypress. The city is also home to the Los Alamitos Race Course, and Adventure City and the famous Knott’s Berry Farm are just a few miles outside of town.
Homes for sale in Cypress, CA
Apartments for rent in Cypress, CA
#8: Westminster, CA
Miles from Anaheim: 13
Population: 91,000
Median home sale price: $900,500
Average 1-bed rent: $1,774
Walk Score: 65
Transit Score: 58
Westminster, CA, is a vibrant and culturally diverse city located a few miles from the shore of the Pacific Ocean. It has access to interstate highways, so residents can easily travel to and from neighboring cities.
If you’re living in Westminster, you may be curious about what to do in your free time. Westminster offers a lot, from nature parks to stellar restaurants and an up-and-coming arts and culture scene. Popular museums in the city include the Donut Life Museum and Westminster Museum, both of which are frequented by tourists and locals alike. Rose Center Theater is among the many performing arts venues you can also check out. If you are looking to spend a day in a city park, pay a visit to Bolsa Chica Park, Elden F. Gillespie Park, or Russell C. Paris Park, where you can spend a day relaxing in the sun.
Homes for sale in Westminster, CA
Apartments for rent in Westminster, CA
#9: Newport Beach, CA
Miles from Anaheim: 20
Population: 87,000
Median home sale price: $3,800,000 </span
Average 1-bed rent: $3,427
Walk Score: 49
Bike Score: 27
Transit Score: 53
The City of Newport Beach is located in the coastal center of Orange County and surrounds Newport Bay, which is home to approximately 4,300 boats of all types. The bay area and the city’s eight miles of ocean beach offer outstanding fishing, swimming, surfing, and other aquatic sports activities. The city is also known for its many high-end shopping and dining options.
There are many things to do while living in Newport Beach. You can visit the Balboa Island Ferry, walk along the boardwalk, visit the Newport Beach Pier, shop at Fashion Island, visit the ExplorOcean Aquarium, take a ride on the Balboa Pavilion Wheel, play mini golf at Boomers, or go on a whale watching tour. The options are endless – there’s truly something for everyone living in Newport Beach.
Homes for sale in Newport Beach, CA
Apartments for rent in Newport Beach, CA
#10: Glendale, CA
Miles from Anaheim: 34
Population: 199,500
Median home sale price: $1,132,500
Average 1-bed rent: $3,001
Walk Score: 71
Bike Score: 45
Transit Score: 52
Glendale is a suburb of Los Angeles that is located where the eastern end of the San Fernando Valley and the western end of the San Gabriel Valley meet.
There are plenty of things to do in Glendale, CA. For starters, you can check out the Americana at Brand, which is a large outdoor shopping mall. You can also explore the Glendale Galleria, another popular shopping destination. If you’re looking for something a little more low-key, you can stroll through one of the city’s many parks, such as Verdugo Park or Glendale Central Park. You’ll find plenty of restaurants and up-and-coming eateries throughout Glendale as well.
Homes for sale in Glendale, CA
Apartments for rent in Glendale, CA
Methodology: All cities must have a population of more than 50,000 and be less than 50 miles away from Anaheim. Median home sale price data from the Redfin Data Center during August 2022. Average rental data from Rent.com during August 2022. Walk Score, Bike Score, and Transit Score from Walkscore.com during August 2022. Population data sourced from the United States Census Bureau.
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